Right Pediatric Dentist

Your child's teeth are a top priority. You know that taking good care of them—then teaching your child to do the same as they grow older—will build a foundation of good dental health that lasts a lifetime.

One of the key components to making sure your child's dental health is maintained is a good pediatric dentist. This will be the professional who ensures that your child's bite is healthy and will help you learn the best ways to take care of your child's teeth. You may well wonder exactly what to look for in a good pediatric dentist. Keep reading to find out how to choose the right pediatric dentist for your family.

Specialization

It may be tempting to just take your child to your own dentist, who may well be a family dentist. However, you may want to consider trying to find a dentist who, like Dr. Beanca Chu, have been trained specifically to work with children. A pediatric dentist has not only been through the same training as your general or family dentist, but they have undergone specific training to learn about the maintenance of children's teeth. They have studied the anatomy and physiology of children's teeth, as well as the specific issues which can occur with children's teeth.

In addition to their training, most pediatric dentists will have a practice that is warm and inviting for children. It can be intimidating to visit the dentist—many children are frightened by the prospect. A pediatric dentist has a lot of practice in helping children feel comfortable about getting their teeth checked.

Do Your Homework

When it's time to look for a pediatric dentist—you'll want to take your baby around the time they cut their first teeth—you'll want to make sure to do your due diligence when choosing. First, you may want to ask your local family and friends who have kids for recommendations. They may have a pediatric dentist they love. It can be comforting to hear upfront about how good a pediatric dentist is. This can also be a strategy if you have moved to a new area and need to find a new pediatric dentist.

Next, you'll want to research any dentist you are considering for your child. You can check out reviews online and browse through the dentist's website to get a feel for their practice. You may want to ask about the dentist's credentials and find out if they are a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) and keep up with all the latest treatments.

Your pediatric dentist should have ample experience dealing with the dental needs of children. Dr. Beanca Chu is board-certified and has been running her practice for 14 years. (She's also a member of the AAPD and the California Society of Pediatric Dentistry.) Once you choose someone you may want to try, schedule an initial appointment to visit the practice and see firsthand what it's like. You'll be able to meet the staff, walk around the office, and sit down with the dentist to talk about your child and your expectations. This can be particularly helpful if your child has special needs that will require consideration.

If you are satisfied that the pediatric dentist you've chosen may be the right fit for your family, it's time to take your child to meet them. Your child should have a first visit where they aren't sitting through an exam. They can simply walk around the office, meet the staff and the dentist, and get comfortable with the idea of coming back for that first examination.

Prevention is the Priority

The earlier you get your child to the pediatric dentist, the earlier they can start to track the progress of your child's teeth. Routine exams every six months can help a pediatric dentist to keep an eye out for potential dental issues.

By spotting the potential for certain dental issues, at the office of Dr. Beanca Chu, we can help prevent serious problems from occurring. We can also offer fluoride treatments and dental sealants. Fluoride treatments can protect the enamel on your child's teeth and prevent cavities. Dental sealants are coatings placed on a child's back teeth to help prevent cavities in a spot where decay frequently begins. You'll want to find a pediatric dentist who will take prevention seriously and not just fix problems that crop up. A good pediatric dentist will be able to educate both you and your child on the best dental hygiene practices to develop, hopefully heading off most problems.

Convenience and Cost-Effectiveness

You'll want to make sure your pediatric dentist practices at a convenient location. You will be taking your child to the dentist's office at least twice a year. Save yourself time by choosing a pediatric dentist close to your home or your child's school. Dental care can be expensive. Insurance may cover much of the routine treatments your child will need over time. Check to make sure the pediatric dentist you choose accepts your insurance plan. At Dr. Beanca Chu's Children's Dentistry, we accept most major insurance plans. We don't want you to spend an arm and a leg trying to keep your child's teeth healthy.

Follow Your Instincts

You don't want your child to dread going to the dentist. You want them to be happy to go and excited to receive a great report. When you take your child for that first visit, observe how the dentist treats your child. Watch how your child interacts with the dentist. If the dentist is not warm and caring with your child and your child reacts negatively to the dentist, it may not be the best fit. You want to feel comfortable with the dentist, too. They should allow you to stay with your child during their dental visits and be kept abreast of how your child's teeth are doing.

Your Huntington Beach Pediatric Dentist

If you live in the Huntington Beach, CA, area and are in the market for a pediatric dentist, we here at Dr. Beanca Chu’s Children's Dentistry would love to meet you and your child. Schedule a visit to our office today. We can't wait to see your child's beautiful smile!